Vancouver Whitecaps FC extend contract of centre back Andy O'Brien

VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that centre back Andy O’Brien has agreed to a one-year contract extension with the club. The native of Harrogate, England, will now be under contract with Whitecaps FC until the end of the 2014 season. Per club and league policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Whitecaps FC centre back Andy O’Brien

Started 24 of his 25 appearances with Whitecaps FC in just over a year

Was named Budweiser Man of the Match on April 6, 2013, for his defensive efforts in a 1-1 road draw against San Jose Earthquakes

Over 300 appearances in the English Premier League and nearly 500 appearances in professional soccer in England

Made 26 international appearances for the Republic of Ireland from 2001 to 2006

“Andy has been an important member of the club both on and off the pitch since joining the ‘Caps last summer,” said Whitecaps FC head coach Martin Rennie. “I am very pleased that we have locked up Andy for another year.”

Since arriving in Vancouver on August 1, 2012, the 6-foot-3 centre back has made 24 starts in 25 appearances in just over a year. This season, O’Brien has started all 17 of his appearances, including all four Amway Canadian Championship matches.

“I am extremely happy to sign a contract extension,” said O’Brien. “I am enjoying my time in Vancouver and being a member of Whitecaps FC.”

Prior to joining Whitecaps FC, O’Brien, 34, made nearly 500 appearances with English clubs including Premier League sides Bradford City AFC, Newcastle United FC, Portsmouth FC and Bolton Wanderers FC.

The dual British-Irish citizen also played in the UEFA Champions League with Newcastle United and was a member of the Republic of Ireland’s 2002 FIFA World Cup squad.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC (MLS RS 9W-7L-6D) return home this coming Saturday, August 10, to host San Jose Earthquakes (MLS RS 8W-9L-6D) at BC Place. Kickoff for Saturday's match is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. PT - TV: TSN; Bell mobile devices; RADIO: TEAM 1410 and teamradio.ca. Tickets start at just $20 per seat plus tax and are available at all Ticketmaster Ticket Centres, online at ticketmaster.ca/whitecaps, or Charge-by-Phone at 1.855.6.GO-CAPS (1.855.646.2277). For more information visit www.whitecapsfc.com/tickets.